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Hey blogaroos. Squirmy here to provide news, updates and info about life here in the asylum.

It’s been a bit roller coaster-like the past couple of weeks. First we had the big-eating Coyote- who thought that after 8 years, food was GREAT – if it contained baked potatoes. And all was happy in foodland for several weeks. Until the broken nails….

So all was right in Coyote World. He was eating more than ever, happy as always and ever-ready to wrestle with yours truly. BUT he was licking at his leg. A lot. The Warden examined him and saw that his dew claw had broken and half had lifted off – like a pair of scissors. Yowza. She sent a photo to the vet, and they suggested cutting it back. Well hello. Mr. Don’t-Touch-My-Feet does not allow ANYONE to clip his nails. The Warden can dremel his nails, but she didn’t think that would work in this case. So off to the vet he went.

Now we all know about his dramatic behavior at the vet. He basically needs to be pulled in and then he begins to exhibit a combination of shaking from head to toe and a loud incessant squeaking that is worse than a Saw Whet Owl looking for a mate. (See our previous blog post if you have no idea what we are talking about).

He was SUPPOSED to be seen by a technician and while two techs did initially look at him, they decided the vet should really take a look at it.

The vet (who is quasi-new to our vet clinic) is someone who the Warden knows from WAY back – like in the days when Paxton was in Drill Team. They actually did Drill Team together! The Warden LOVES her – and was so happy when she heard she joined our clinic. Anyway, Dr. L came in, looked at the Coyote, and easily removed the loose piece of his nail with a quick tug. He never even squeaked. So all was again joyful in the Coyote’s world. He gave kisses and tail wags to everyone in the room, and he went home with instructions to keep the nail clean, keep him from licking it, and watch for signs of infection.

The nail was quickly fine. And all was once again right with the Coyote World. But then…the Warden noticed him licking ANOTHER nail. Sure enough – it was also splitting. But it had not separated like the first nail. It was kinda partly split and one piece was overhanging the bottom part. The Warden thought “THIS I can dremel.” Wrongo. One tiny rotary movement and it started bleeding. Off to the vet. AGAIN.

This time he was seen by the techs, who were able to cut back the overhanging piece. They unfortunately said the best thing to do would be bandage it until it grows out a bit more…

So the Coyote is sporting a bandaged foot which is changed daily. He is NOT impressed. And we all know what happens if the Coyote is not impressed or if something changes in his world…he refuses to eat. Yup. He’s on a hunger strike. He runs over to his food dish at meal time, and then says “meh.” He doesn’t even want baked potatoes….

So the Warden has upped her own blood pressure medication. JUST KIDDING. But it IS stressful- especially when he was doing so well…

In other less stressful news, we think there’s been a bear visiting our compost bin. Isn’t it funny that a BEAR is less stressful than the Coyote not eating?! Anyway, a neighbor on the road took a photo of a visiting bruin and our can has been knocked over twice – even though there’s not much in it. He must be really hungry. Wonder if he’d attempt to eat a PON? The Warden says one look at loco me, and he’d run the other direction. See. It pays to be crazy.

What else? Oh yeah – the new plants. So, if you may recall, the Warden gave up on her little vegetable garden the year after I arrived. Probably because I saw it as a FABULOUS place to run and dig. So now her “planting” is limited to a few large pots of annuals she puts by the front door – and in a planter in the middle of the backyard.

A couple of days ago she bought some plants for her planters and a friend dropped off a few as well. She had these giant bags of soil to fill the planters and she worked at it after supper the other day – in the front of the house. The Coyote and I were inside because a. He couldn’t be loose outside in the front of the house because he would take off (bandaged foot and all) and b. I would stay around for awhile, until I got bored, and then I would go bunny hunting. So she was doing her work without supervision. Frodo was her usual supervisor for such projects. He wouldn’t take off. She misses his supervision….even when he was Bossy.

So she fills several planters, and then drags the remaining soil and plants to the backyard planter. Our backyard is fenced. The deck door is open – so the Coyote and I race down to see her.

She puts the plants down and turns to get the bag of soil. At which point, yours truly promptly “waters” the new plants waiting to go into their new home. “Hey” she shouts, just as the Coyote walks by and also attempts to “christen” the newcomers. “Aggghhhhhhh” the Warden screams. Now she gets to plant the wet specimens. Good thing she wears garden gloves.

I’m still going to my obedience classes, though one would never know it at home. Since the Boss is gone, I have totally ramped up my barking. It’s like his barking soul has entered my body. I have a LOT to say. But in class, you’d never know just how maniacal I am at home. I play a good part.

And speaking of talking, have you read the latest research on dog talk? Check it out:

https://search.app/?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ecbsnews%2Ecom%2Famp%2Ftexas%2Fnews%2Fdo%2Ddogs%2Dtalk%2Duta%2Dresearcher%2Dworking%2Dto%2Dfind%2Dout%2F&utm_source=igadl%2Cigatpdl%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F5

The Warden says if they need subject dogs to get a speech sample, she’ll gladly send me off. She thinks she’s funny.

What else? Oh – the Warden replaced the fabulous magnetic screen door to the deck – because SOMEHOW, it got a hole in it last summer. Don’t look at me. I think it was a faulty screen. Anyway, BEFORE the “L” shaped tear, which I eventually put my head through, the screen was working like a charm. This wasn’t one of those cheapy screens you can buy at the Dollar Store. No. It is made of like space age fiberglass or something. And the price reflected that technology. And it DID work great. Until the L. And then the giant hole. So she bought another one- and put it up. You know that famous saying by Einstein: ‘Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.’ Welcome to our home. Let’s see if this one makes it through the summer. We’re taking bets.

I think that’s it from the asylum. We’ll keep you posted about the Coyote’s apathetic appetite. Paws crossed he gets back on track. But not to worry about food ever being wasted. That’s why every household should have a canine composter aka PON. And some people think that title goes to Labs. Ha! They just don’t know PONs!

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe. JBJ

Howdy blogaroos! Did ya miss us? It’s Squirmy here to share our latest exploits. Where to begin….

Well Aunt Sue was here for two weeks, and we had a blast. We dragged her on walks each morning at 6AM – which she thoroughly enjoyed. OK. We enjoyed it. She tolerated it. And she did smile some mornings. Actually, she even joined in singing our “Good Morning” song several days. She may have been half asleep, but she did join in.

She walked the Coyote- and had to monitor that he didn’t drink out of puddles, eat too much grass, or eat goose poop. It was a grand time.

We also did nightly walks with her and the Warden decked out in glowing jackets, and us dogs also lit up like walking Christmas trees. Plus the humans wore such bright headlamps that we were lucky a 747 didn’t try to land on our road.

After Aunt Sue left, the Warden took us out one by one for our nightly walks – but yesterday she had to turn off the headlamp for fear of being bopped in the head by a flying ping pong ball. Yup. Although it’s still May, the dreaded June Bugs are already out. The large beetle like creatures come out at night – and are attracted to lights. You can hear them bouncing off window screens if lights are on in the house. So for the next few weeks, we’ll be walking around in total darkness in the house- on the off chance one could squeeze his way under a screen. Heaven forbid one of the kamikaze ping pong balls gets inside. Been there. Witnessed the chaos and pandemonium. I still have PTJBM. Post traumatic June Bug Memories.

So Aunt Sue left and we were sad. She’ll hopefully be back later in the summer… We can’t wait. Nothing like a good aunt to give you extra treats, or let you lick her empty yogurt container or smuck you in the butt with water from a squirt gun if you’re acting like a raving maniac when your meals are being prepared….

What else is new… Spud is still very much in love with warm baked potatoes – and he continues to eat more food than he has in his 8 years of life. Go figure.

The Warden says the Coyote is like….a tire repair. So you drive over a nail that puts a hole in your tire. And you get it repaired. But you still keep wondering – will that repair hold? EVERY SINGLE TIME the Warden puts the Coyote’s food dish down, she waits with bated breath. Will the air start leaking out of the tire today? Or will we be ready to roll? So far, the potatoes seem to be holding the tire together. It’s nothing short of a miracle.

Meanwhile, yours truly went to the vet this week. I went for two reasons – to get my paw checked and to get a Lyme vaccine. I’ve been licking at one paw incessantly and although the Warden examined it, she didn’t see anything causing the problem (like a stick or cut). One night she put cream on it and wrapped it in vet wrap. Although I walked like my entire leg was now in a full length cast, I adjusted pretty quickly. The next day when she took the bandage off, the area was less red. But within minutes, I was back at my incessant licking.

So I went to have my paw examined and to get “my shot.”

Now here’s the deal. I’m not exactly a Golden Retriever when it comes to meeting people the first time. I’m not Mr Happy-Go-Lucky like the Boss was. I’m super cautious around new people. And although I have been to the vet before, it’s been a long time. And because I’m nervous, the Warden gets nervous. So we make a horrible team. I feel her nerves and that makes ME more nervous.

Luckily, she was smart enough to fill her pockets with treats. She could barely sit in the car with her loaded pockets. And when the vet came in, she passed her a handful.

Thankfully we have a very patient vet, who sat in the floor with me and took her time with me. To help the vet examine my foot, the Warden did a wrestling move, flipped me on my side, and I was good as gold. I didn’t move a muscle as she checked all my feet. Some of us PONs have the don’t-touch-my-feet gene – and that’s kinda me. Mind you, the Warden can clip my nails with no problem. I just don’t love it.

Anyway, before the session was over I was following the vet’s commands and even heeling with her across the room. I never even felt the vaccine. I was perfectly adorable. And I came home with some new cream for my foot which already seems to be working.

Otherwise, things are pretty stable around here. No run-ins with the walking pin cushion, and no sight of the raccoon who we assumed knocked over our compost bin the other night. Unless it was a bear….

We did have an interesting wildlife encounter a few weeks ago, and our apologies to folks who already read this story on the Warden’s Wastebook page. But it’s worth a repeat for those who didn’t.

As you know, we live in a semi-rural area of Nova Scotia. Although we’re only 20 minutes from downtown Halifax (if there is no traffic) the area where we live is surrounded by trees and our road is the start of a popular hiking trail. As we have talked about many times, we have seen lots of wildlife in our area – from raccoons to deer to porcupines to the odd bear. We can sometimes hear the coyotes at night, and we know there are also bobcats in the area.

Add to the four legged friends, we have LOTS of feathered friends- including all kinds of songbirds, mourning doves, crows, ducks, geese, loons, hummingbirds, pheasants and even eagles.

So we’re pretty used to living in our own little “wild kingdom.”

Several kilometers away from our happy abode is a small industrial park. We can’t see it, because as I said it’s kilometers away. But about 2-3 months ago, the Warden started hearing this sound at night, like the beeping of a truck backing up. She was in touch with neighbors on our road, and others heard it as well. The sound went on for HOURS -and through the night. The neighbors and the warden started suspecting that the sound was coming from the industrial park. The Warden even audiotaped the beeping while walking us one evening. The sound was constant, and even in the house, if the windows were open, you could hear it. The Warden envisioned some truck driver doing repeated backward circles. WHAT could the driver be doing? The Coyote and I heard it, but it didn’t bother us. Which is interesting. Because when a delivery truck backs down our driveway, with the beeping sound, we go NUTS. I mean crazy nuts. But we didn’t care about this “truck”.

Finally, after nights of listening to the “crazy driver”, one of our great neighbors decided to contact one of our municipal councilors to find out info about local noise bylaws- and to see if the councilor could investigate the source of the sound. Who WAS this crazy driver? He/she needed to be stopped.

Everyone waited to hear who the offending driver was. The councilor worked quickly and it was no time before the culprit was revealed. We finally knew the source of the incessant beeping….

https://youtu.be/GwgTcxjLnTo?si=4O3sCMYp87VjBN5D

Whooooo knew that little guy could make such a racket. It’s crazy.

Now, we’ve heard this guy before…

https://youtu.be/6hG6465r0dQ?si=ksf5HjMGBo6uc6HF

But seriously- he sounds like an owl.

Should I point out again, that we canines KNEW it wasn’t a truck. Shoulda listened to us in the first place!

I should also mention that although Mr Beeper can still be heard, for some reason, the sound just isn’t as irritating now. Interesting, isn’t it?

OK. Time to look for trouble. I hope you’re able to enjoy these longer days – and that they are filled with sunshine- and no flying ping pong balls after dark.

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe. JBJ.

Howdy blogaroos!!!! Squirmy here. It’s a big day here – but before we begin talking about the reason for celebration, let’s start with a little quiz..

1. How many legs does a spider have?

2. How many arms or tentacles does an octopus have?

3. What is the atomic number of oxygen?

4. The Beatles thought there were how many days in a week?

5. How many Maids were Milking after Christmas.

6. In the 1970s, you were cool if you had this audio technology.

7. If you put this number sideways, you have the symbol for eternity.

8. Pirates once searched for Spanish coins known as pieces of what?

9. If you’re in a difficult or tricky situation, they say you’re behind what ball?

OK. OK. Did ya notice a theme here? All of the answers contained the number 7!!!!!! Just kidding. They contained the number 8. And WHY did we feature that useless trivia? Because it’s the Coyote’s 8th BIRTHDAY!!!!!!! Can you believe it?! For those who have been reading this blog since the dawn of time, you may actually remember his arrival in our happy abode in what seems like yesterday. Or at least last week. Hardly 8 YEARS AGO!!!!! That’s way before my time.

It’s been quite the year for the introspective, Zen, observant, quirky randomly squeaky, laid back dude. Last September he came pretty darn close to taking the path to the Rainbow Bridge….but in typical Coyote fashion, he took off in another direction. And because he does NOTHING according to the books, he thankfully continues to defy medical odds – and not only is he doing well- he’s suddenly eating more than he EVER has. But it’s partly because the Warden discovered the secret appetite stimulant- which we mentioned before. Hot baked potatoes. I need to emphasize hot, because yesterday when she ATTEMPTED to give him a cold potato which had been cooked earlier in the day, he looked at her like she had two heads. She apologized, reheated the potato, and he ate it (along with all of his kibble) as quickly as you can say Mr. Potato Head. We’ve actually started calling him Spud.

We’re excited because Aunt Sue is here to celebrate the big birthday with us. She has been here for a week- and we’re having a super duper time. We make sure to get her up promptly at 6 AM to join us on our morning constitutional. She walks the Coyote – paying strict attention so that he doesn’t drink from muddy puddles – or eat too much roughage (aka grass) – because with the spring grass, he acts a bit like a cow or a sheep. He’s a grazer.

We haven’t seen the four-legged pin cushion lately – but we do keep watching for him. We’re not even allowed in our fenced backyard after dark now. The Warden isn’t taking any chances that some wayward pin cushion climbs the fence and comes to visit.

Since it’s the Coyote’s big day, we thought we’d share some of our favorite photos from the past year….

We know some of the photos are bittersweet- we miss the Boss too. Plus the poor Warden has to work SO hard to get a good photo with the two of us – the photogenic, willing model is no longer here to provide an example. Not that we ever watched him anyway. But it was nice to have at least ONE smiling dog. She’s got her work cut out for her now.

But despite the fact that we miss the big guy, it’s really made the two of us better buddies. Really. I mean we always got along- but let’s face it- he was the odd man out. So now we hang out together much more. And when I go off hunting for golf balls (I must be at about 50 so far and the season just started!) – he watches and waits for me. Before, he really didn’t pay the least bit of attention. But now he kinda seems to worry where I am. PLUS – get this – when I go mooching for food – and I stick my head in the fridge to take stock for grocery day- he sticks his in too! PLUS – he sits and stares at the humans while they are eating. Just like yours truly. AND he eats carrots now. He watches me and eats what I eat. Yup – our buddydom has gone to a new level. So it’s good. It’s really good.

Time to get the humans moving. And time to get ready for the festivities. Potatoes all around!!!!

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe. JBJ.

Howdy blogaroos! Squirmy here on MAY 1! Can you believe it’s May already? The blackflies are anxiously awaiting their bombardment. Any minute now…

May 1st marks a day of many holidays around the globe including World Carnivorous Plant Day (huge celebrations around the world for that one), National Salad Day (yawn), Save the Rhino Day (now that’s a parade I’d like to see) and the most important- National Purebred Dog Day. The Coyote and I are expecting extra treats as a result.

If you want a little quiz about purebred dogs, here is a short one:

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/quiz-what-was-this-dog-bred-to-do/

The Warden did pretty well.

Now if you want to know what kind of purebred dog YOU would be based on your interests and behaviors, take this quiz:

https://heywise.com/quiz/ever-wanted-to-know-what-breed-of-dog-you-are/

The Warden thinks it’s a bunch of hooey. Take it, and let us know what you think. We’ll send a prize to the first person who correctly guesses what breed the Warden is. I’m not sure what the prize is, but we’ll figure something out.

If you’re really bored today, there are loads of trivia quizzes about dogs. We did the one on rare breeds. Unfortunately there were no PONs or Picards in the quiz. That’s why we only got 18/20.

https://www.funtrivia.com/quizzes/animals/dogs/dog_breeds.html

Have fun!

What’s new around here…

Well, the Coyote is really relishing his newfound love for potatoes. I’m serious. The Warden now gives him plain baked potato in every one of his meals. He comes running when he smells her slicing them up. We have NEVER seen him so interested in a food. Ever. Now we realize it likely won’t last, but it’s great for now. Pretty soon we’ll be calling the skinny dude “Tubby.”

Oh – plus we dodged a ginormous disaster the night before last. We were both going out for our last pee of the night – and the Warden took both of us together on leash. It was dark, but she was wearing her trusty headlamp. Unfortunately, the battery needed charging – so it wasn’t QUITE as radiant as it usually is. So we’re walking up to the road, and suddenly, both of our noses hit the ground. And we got kinda frantic. The Warden looked up and with her dim light could see something waddling off the driveway and into the woods. We saw it too. It was a porcupine.

Did you ever hear one of those stories where someone is like trapped under a car and their friend suddenly gets superhuman strength to lift the car? Yeah well the Warden showed superhuman strength holding onto the two of us. She shouted “no emergency clinic tonight!!!” She managed to pull us away faster than she has probably ever moved in her life. Mind you, it’s not the first time she’s seen a four-legged pin cushion at night. But not walking both me and my compadre together. Plus I think Tubby is getting extra muscles eating all those potatoes. Anyway, no trips to the vet that night.

Oh plus guess who is coming to visit soon? Aunt Sue!!!! We don’t know when. The Warden won’t tell us because she wants it to be a surprise. Some time in May….

OK. Gotta go get ready for our Purebred Dog Day celebrations. Maybe we can watch a rerun of Best in Show. Plus there are plenty of Crufts YouTube videos to watch. As long as there are snacks. Besides potatoes.

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe. JBJ.

Howdy blogaroos. Happy Sunday. And happy Pet Parent Day. It’s also Superhero Day. The Warden says that in this household, the fact that they both fall on the same day is VERY appropriate. I think she wants a medal or something. She says that only a superhero could put up with my ricochets, thievery and now (in following in the Boss’ footsteps) – indiscriminate barking. And then we have the Coyote- who drives her batty with his daily appetite preferences….

Speaking of the Coyote, I should tell you the results of his vet appointment. Some good news, some well… not BAD but challenging.

So. I went along for the ride, but as soon as he realized where he was, the squeaking began. The Warden met with the vet before bringing the incessant squeak machine into the building – so they could hear each other. They talked about everything- from the meds he is on, to his inconsistent appetite, to his fluctuations in output “consistency” (meaning his more than typical issues with soupy poops), to his current urinalysis results. They also talked about putting him on tick medication. Because ticks were the cause of this whole debacle.

For those new here, he got Lyme and Anaplasmosis from a tick – which, in a SMALL percentage of dogs, results in Lyme Nephritis. Many dogs can get Lyme and be asymptomatic. Or they show symptoms (like lameness) but once treated with antibiotics, they are FINE. Unfortunately, in Lyme nephritis, the kidney is affected. And it is usually fatal. We know SEVERAL dogs who have gone to the Rainbow Bridge with Lyme Nephritis. However, likely due to many good vibes and prayers, and a great vet who is guiding us through this forest, the Coyote is still miraculously here. But since the whole health challenge last Fall, and since he’s been on more than 5 medications daily, the Warden was afraid to add a tick medication to the list. Yes- we WAS taking tick meds before this began- but truth be told, the Warden sometimes stretched the monthly administration to 6 weeks….NOT a good idea. We realize some people are against flea and tick meds but we tried every natural tick option under the sun. And yes, she checked us ALL the time. But clearly that did not work. He still got bit by a tick that was on him long enough to transmit Lyme….

So. Should she reintroduce a tick med? Was there any possibility of an interaction with the multiple meds he is still taking? The vet and the Warden discussed it at length. As well as his other issues. Like intermittent soupy poops. They came up with some plans . And THEN, the Warden brought the Coyote in….

They plopped Squeaky on the scale – and he has gained another two lbs. the vet said he looks AMAZING. I mean really amazing. She examined him, and thought he was feeling good – and fit. The Warden then asked that she look at a skin tag the Warden had found that morning behind his ear. The Vet was feeling him all over, and looked at the skin tag. Get ready. It was pinkish in color. But it wasn’t a skin tag. Oh no. It was a tick. The Warden nearly fainted. It’s not like she hasn’t seen or removed a tick before. Heck – you may recall she had one on herself last year. But this one didn’t look like a tick to her. But it was.

The Warden’s heart sank. What if THIS tick had Lyme? What would happen? The vet said she didn’t know – the Coyote represents a VERY small percentage of dogs who live through Lyme Nephritis. And of course, his kidneys ARE still affected. But he’s here. And thriving.

So at that point they both agreed he needed to go on a tick medication. And – spoiler alert – he took it and has had no side effects. They also decided to put him on an antibiotic- in the event that the tick was carrying Lyme. He’s doing fine with that as well.

I am on tick meds and I will be getting a Lyme vaccine. The vet discussed that there is a new vaccine, with booster, and they are having good results with it. So I’m being booked to get jabbed.

The vet said she is going to examine whether the Coyote may or may not be a candidate for the vaccine as well. She was going to do some research first. As I said earlier, he represents a very small group who live following a diagnosis of Lyme nephritis. So it’s hard to know what’s best for him. But in the meantime, he is taking a tick preventative.

So he pranced happily out of the clinic – looking like a million bucks. Two days ago, he willingly ate all meals. Yesterday he ate 1/3. So we had some force feeding here- after which he anxiously ate blueberries. And bread. I’m beginning to think he enjoys the attention he gets being force fed. He’s such a strange guy….This morning he decided breakfast was a good thing. You never know from day to day.

So. All in all, not bad news. We are well aware that there are people who adamantly oppose tick meds, and some “gurus” on dog health are quick to point out the dangers of these medications. And no doubt, some dogs DO have poor reactions to them. Just as some humans can’t take certain medications, that others can with no problems. When a dog does have issues, it is QUICKLY placed on Social Media. At the same time, there are plenty of dogs who take these medications without any problem. But that usually isn’t posted on Social Media. It’s all about risks and benefits. Our once tick-free province has ticks. Lots of ticks. AND MANY carry Lyme. The vaccine, if appropriate, is one arsenal in the tick battle. Tick meds are another. Taken together, we are hoping that Lyme nephritis is never seen in our house again.

Oh – and no we didn’t send the tick off to be tested. Because it wouldn’t change what we are doing. The results would have taken some time to come back – and in the interim, the Warden would have been out of her mind with worry. He MAY be taking the antibiotic for no reason and we know that – but we’re OK with that. Again- it’s all about risks and benefits . And doing the best we can.

So. Overall, he’s doing well. Quite well. And since starting on the antibiotic, his poops are quite lovely, if I do say so. Which is interesting. His energy is A plus, and his appetite is well…typical for him. We’ve discovered he loves plain baked potatoes. Of course he does. For this week anyway. So we’ll continue doing what we are doing. And keep praying that he continues to thrive.

On a final note – the Warden got a gift this week that was quite bittersweet. It felt like a gift “from the other side.” She opened the mail – and it was a memorial contribution that had been made to a vet college in Frodo’s name. The sender? Shawn.

Maybe it’s a sign that his bark reduction training is working….

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe. JBJ

Howdy blogaroos. Squirmy here to share the latest updates from the penitentiary.

Last week was…challenging. We are adjusting to no longer having the Boss here to oversee and moderate the chaos. The first few days after he left us, the Coyote ate better than he EVER has. But then – like someone flipped a switch, he refused to eat at all. So it was back to offering “options” and also to some force feeding. But not to worry- he gives giant tail wags afterwards. Go figure. And then, like a switch was again flipped, he went back to eating again. Who knows. I think I’ll start calling him yo-yo.

Meanwhile, he and I have increased our wrestling match time and Humpty Dumpty games by 500%. To say we are both WILD doesn’t come close to describing our behavior. Sometimes the Warden has to separate us- just to give us a break. And yours truly plays HARD. Our wrestling usually results in screams by the Coyote – but he comes back for more. Mind you, he screams if you try to brush a knot out of his hair…so it’s partly dramatic. Partly.

I have also become an insistent, clandestine thief lately. Whether it’s the Warden’s slipper, one of our bandannas, a glove, a dust cloth, a dish towel- they are ALL mine to steal. And like a baby puppy, I take off- and won’t bring them back. I enjoy the chase.

And if the household insanity and grief over losing the Boss wasn’t enough, last week the Warden lost a very, very dear friend. Shawn was well known in the dog world – he was a CKC Obedience and Rally judge. He was a guy who seemed to have a serious exterior – but if you knew him, you saw that he was a comedian with the heart of a giant marshmallow.

We got to see Shawn and his wife Patty a LOT last year. They and the Warden had a “project” involving pine cones- and they were at our place several times a week. It got to the point that we didn’t even bark (that much) when they arrived- because we were so used to them – and we LOVED when they gave us treats. I even did some heeling with Shawn – I thought he was a pretty cool guy.

So many people were shocked and so very saddened to hear about Shawn’s sudden passing. The world has lost a very good human. He joins his Golden Retrievers at the Bridge- and MAYBE he can teach the Boss not to bark so much. MAYBE. I hope he took LOTS of treats with him….

So while the past few weeks have been pretty rough and we have been kinda surrounded by “end of life” chapters – today we celebrate a “beginning of life” chapter. IT’S MY BIRTHDAY!!!!! The world has been graced with 4 glorious years of my joyful, biting self. Speaking of which, I almost forgot to mention a ray of sunshine we saw around here- Joanie came to visit for a few days after the Boss passed. Now usually when visitors arrive, the Warden would let the Boss out to greet them. He would run up, wagging his tail and singing his welcome song. While he was loud, he was always friendly. So when Joanie arrived, the Warden decided to let me be the welcome wagon. We can’t let the Coyote loose to greet visitors. He’d say “hi” and “bye.” He still remains a flight risk.

Anyway, when Joanie arrived, I raced over barking my greeting. When I realized it was her, I spun in circles, brushed against her legs and gave her what I call, a love bite. When I get overly excited, that’s what I do. Some dogs pee. I bite. Neither of which is exactly socially appropriate. So she had a tiny bruise on her arm within 10 minutes of arriving. The Warden threw a toy to keep me occupied. I promptly returned it to Joanie – to make amends for my overly exuberant behavior. I returned it to her every time she threw it. It was also to demonstrate that I CAN be a good boy. Once in awhile. Good thing she’s such a good friend…

So back to my birthday. Because, let’s face it, the world revolves around me. Doesn’t it?! The Warden took me out to take my birthday photo- and in some I look like a cross between Salvador Dali and Geraldo Rivera.

I figured I would get to go to the pet store today to pick out some marvelous treats for my birthday. But noooooo. Today the Coyote has his vet appointment that was canceled when the Boss took his. We KNOW the Coyote goes crazy when he goes to the vet – so (yippee), the Warden has a plan. She’s taking yours truly along. She figures she can trick the Coyote if we BOTH go for a car ride. She thinks he won’t realize he’s going to the vet. This could be interesting. Because let’s face it – she can’t take both of us in. I mean that would be a total gong show. So I’ll stay in a crate in the car while Mr Stress goes in solo.

Maybe we’ll stop at the pet store on the way home….Or she can just cook me a sirloin steak. I’m good with that.

So that’s the current update from the penitentiary. Like I said- up and down and all around. We’re adapting to our “new normal.” Make that our “new abnormal.”

It’s been a time of grief. But as the corgi-loving late Queen once said “grief is the price we pay for love.” And aren’t we lucky to have had all that love in our lives in the first place….

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe. JBJ

Yo. Blog people. Elroy here to say hello and to let you know we are OK. I mean we’re not exactly super duper happy-go-lucky wiggy waggy, but we are OK.

The house is a bit quieter without the commanding voice of the Boss, but to make up for it, the Imp has cranked it up a notch. Who knew he could be as loud as the two of them put together? Oh my ears.

Her Highness has been taking us for walks together- which is a bit of a switch. I mean, before this, we either ALL went together to the lake OR we walked one at a time up the road. There was sort of a rule of “no dog left behind on his own.” So now it’s me and the Tasmanian Devil. I enjoy a good trot. He enjoys a good jet propulsion jog. Zig zagging all the way.

To Her Highness’s eyes, I appear to be somewhat sad. And yes, we dogs DO grieve…

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/do-dogs-grieve-other-dogs/

I’m a bit more sedate. And introspective. ALTHOUGH, I am eating ALL my meals. And extras. I think because Her Highness looked at me and said “OK Buddy, you better not die any time soon.” So I’m taking her command quite seriously- and doing what I can.

In the past, both the Imp and I slept in our crates at night, while the Boss was free. But on Friday, Her Highness said we could both be FREE. That was just great – in my opinion. I jumped up on her bed, curled up and made myself comfortable. The Imp, on the other hand, rolled on his back with his legs kicking in the air, and attempted to toss around pillows from that position. When Her Highness said he needed to relax, he jumped off the bed and ran off with one of her slippers. She gave up and turned off the light. He then sat next to the bed and stared at her face from about 2 inches away. I must admit, the dude does provide comic relief.

We want to thank you for the many, many condolences and messages of support. We know that many of you loved the old fella like he was one of your own. The internet is such a powerful tool for sharing. Both good and sad…

Our intention is to keep sharing our crazy lives with you. We no longer have the voice of wisdom to tell his tales, but maybe some day he’ll communicate his feeling from over the bridge. Right now he’s too busy peeing on things after Viktor, Paxton and Beamish leave their marks. And he’s no doubt reminding them that he’s still the Boss…

Meanwhile, the role of Boss is kinda up for grabs here. I mean TECHNICALLY, I should be next in line, given my seniority, but I’m not exactly the bossy type. I’m too laid back to give out instructions. But Her Highness is making sure that the Imp doesn’t try to step into that role. I mean he’s pushy enough as it is. He’s a bit of a Napoleon- and he’s lucky I’m so good natured. He plays rough – doesn’t he look like a vampire in this blurry action shot? I think I’ll call him Vlad from now on.

Thank you again for all your kind words and messages and care packages. They are appreciated more than you’ll ever know.

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe. JBJ.

After writing literally thousands of blog posts, I am finally at a loss for words. I can’t bring myself to type the details…my heart is so shattered.

It was Elroy who had a vet appointment scheduled today- but it was Frodo who I took instead. If we hadn’t had snow last night, I probably would not have noticed the blood in his urine this morning….

Numerous tests were inconclusive- but he was feeling fine. Absolutely fine. Barking and wagging and cooperating for needles and an ultrasound exam. And we came home to wait for some results that were sent off. But there was no feeling of urgency or dread…

He took a good walk with the boys down to the lake, and waited for supper. And then something happened. He was not himself.

I rushed him to the emergency clinic, but he was gone. He never did like to ride in the car.

One can do all the rational discussions in their brain “he had cardiac issues for years…. he was 14 years old….he didn’t suffer…“

But while my brain rattles on, my heart is screaming “NOOOOO!” How can my best friend of 14 years, my puppy nanny, my teammate, my protector, my best photography model, my household ruler, my soulmate be gone? If it wasn’t for Frodo and my introduction to this wonderful breed, there would have been no Viktor. And no blog. And no friendships made around the globe. Besides the gift of so many wonderful memories, he has left me with those friendships….

When the cardiologist diagnosed him, at age 9, he explained I might be lucky and he could live to 12. My luck went beyond that with 2 additional years and 2 months. But 2 more years still would not have been enough….nor would 2 more…

Hug your canine kids tonight….

Howdy blogaroos! It’s here! It’s Dyngus Day!!! Dyngus (pronounced Ding-goose) is a Polish celebration the day after Easter. Never heard of it? Where have you been?! The Warden grew up in Buffalo, NY – the reported Dyngus Day capital of the WORLD! You can read all about it here:

https://www.dyngusday.com/our-story

So in honor of this important occasion, she had to go Pussy Willow hunting at the crack of dawn. She took the Coyote- who thankfully did not need to go out in the middle of the night with soupy poops. But that’s an aside. Anyway – he found Pussy Willows and excitedly posed with them…

OK. He wasn’t that excited. But he stood still for 3 seconds.

Then we PONs got to pose with them. Pretty excited, I’d say. OK. We just wanted the treats in the Warden’s pockets…

Now it’s time for a proper Dyngus Day breakfast. Crank up the polka music!

Have a good one! Peace and paws up!! Stay safe. JBJ

Happy Easter blogaroos!!! Squirmy here to share the dreaded bunny ear photos.

The Warden kept waiting and waiting and WAITING for a sunny day to take the dreaded shots. And we’ve had nothing but rain all week. We are all getting moldy.

Yesterday, during a momentary break in the rain and mist, she figured it would be her only opportunity. She loaded her pockets with liver treats and took us outside.

It was windy. Very windy. So any props blew away. She decided it was futile to use them so she would JUST set us up for the shot. She had to first get us in position and then whip out the ears.

The instructions went something like this…”Frodo sit. Frodo sit. FRODO SIT. (The Boss is getting a bit hard of hearing in his seasoned age). FRODO SIT. Good boy. Elroy sit. Elroy sit. Good boy. Try to look happy. Wojtek sit. Wojtek sit. WOJTEK, FOR THE LOVE IF GOD, I HAVE SPENT THE COST OF A NEW CAR ON OBEDIENCE CLASSES FOR YOU – SO SIT!!! SIT!! SIIIIIIIIT!!!!WOJTEK SIT!!!! Frodo now you SIT!!! Elroy try to look like you are having fun…”

Yours truly refused to look happy in the 780 photos taken. Even the Coyote looked more engaged.

Of all the photos taken, these were my favorites…

In other news, the Warden has recovered from the plague and is back to her bouncy self. Maybe bouncy isn’t the right word… she’s back to her bowling ball self. Shes moving again – at her usual slow pace.

The Coyote has taken a complete turn since she was sick. He’s eating his meals. And blueberries. AND the morning slice of bread. We’re not questioning his motives – but just happy he has his appetite back!

Joanie was in town this weekend- so she stopped by on Friday for a visit. The Warden releases us in stages when she comes to visit. First to meet her is the Boss- who is allowed to run and greet her as she gets out of her car. He looks at her, stands back, barks and wags. He’s the best behaved.

Next out of the gate is the Coyote. He immediately sidles up next to her, waiting for ear scratches and hugs. And finally, yours truly is let out of my sequestration in the bedroom. I race like a rocket and promptly ricochet off her. Then, if she is overly happy to see me, I run around her in circles, attempting to bite her clothing. Or her hands. They are what I call “love nibbles.” But for some reason, they are not considered totally socially appropriate. Whatever. She’s used to me. We always love to see her.

We hope you have a Happy Easter – and canines – stay out of the chocolates!!!!! And get ready for Dyngus Day on Monday!!!!!

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe. JBJ.